One of the most respected, colourful members of the Ontario Legislature has decided to retire from politics after 23 years in office.

The New Democratic Party’s Peter Kormos made the surprise announcement Friday, just two days after the House rose early in the run up to the Oct. 6 election.

Kormos, a lawyer, has served as MPP of Welland since 1988. The NDP does not yet have a candidate to replace Kormos.

Kormos was a cabinet minister for former NDP premier Bob Rae, holding the portfolios of minister of consumer and commercial relations and minister of financial institutions.

But Rae dumped him from cabinet, partly due to Kormos’ decision to pose as a fully-clothed Sunshine boy for the Toronto Sun. Rae was premier from 1990 to 1995.

The two also didn’t see eye-to-eye on many issues such as public auto insurance.

When asked if he regretted the photo Kormos said: “Hell, no. That is one of the highlights of my political career. I’m so pleased that some 20 years later, people stop me on the streets and say, ‘Great photo Kormos.’ ”

Being in Rae’s cabinet was a “very sad experience for a lot of progressive-minded people”, said Kormos. Rae is now the interim leader of the federal Liberal party.

“Mr. Rae blessed me for creating that distance for me and him. It guaranteed I was re-elected in 1995,” he said.

Kormos told reporters on Friday that he has mulled over quitting for years. “I’m not an advocate of life-long politicians. This place needs new blood. It needs fresh ideas and the energy of young people”

Kormos, 58, also served as the House leader of the NDP.

He has no immediate plans. “I suppose this is a self-serving decision primarily, I want to pursue one more career yet in my lifetime. We’ll see what it is going to be.”

Kormos is a well-respected voice on protocol and the rules of the Ontario Legislature. He is the NDP’s justice critic and is known for his quick wit and command of the English language.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath called Kormos one of her closest advisers and mentors.

“He has great insight. When I started in 2004, he took me under his wing,” she said. “He has spent two decades at Queen’s Park. He has been a dogged advocate for everyday folks. It would be inappropriate for me to say I won’t feel a loss but I’m happy for Peter, because he’s made a decision for him.”

Premier Dalton McGuinty called Kormos a “true character” who has served the people of Ontario and Welland in “his own particular way.”

“Peter is a character in a couple of ways, he’s a character in the sense that he is colourful. He can be controversial, he can be a kind of fiery ball, but at the same time Peter is a person of character,” said McGuinty who was in London, Ont., on Friday.

“I have never doubted his sincerity in his commitment to his causes and the people that he served in his community,” he said.

With files from Richard J. Brennan

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